kevin@voder.UUCP (The Last Bugfighter) (12/11/84)
*** I am not a bug! I am a feature! ***
The December 10 issue of Electronic Engineering Times has an article on
Atari's new computers which I've briefly summerised below.
THE NEW ATARI 16-BIT COMPUTER THE PLANNED 32-BIT ATARI COMPUTER
* 16-bit 8088 microprocessor * 32-bit 68000 family (68008?)
microprocessor
* 128-256 kbytes of RAM
* 256 kbytes RAM standard
* Single 3-1/2-inch drive for MS- (using low-cost 64k chips)
DOS software
* Custom gate-array graphics and
* Custom VLSI circuitry audio circuitry
* PC-DOS-like operating system * ROM operating system (like
Macintosh)
* Software is expected to be
compatible with 3-1/2-inch MS- * Ability to do hi-res color
DOS packages for new IBM PCs, graphics on home TVs
and PC-compatible portables
with 3-1/2-inch drives. * Accept ROM-cartridge software,
3-1/2-inch microfloppy media
Options for each: Networking hardware, modems, hard disks, coprocessor em-
ulation modules (IBM, Atari).
Regarding the Atari/Amiga/Commodore situation: When Tramel took over
Atari he apparently assumed that many of the custom graphic and audio chips
developed by Amiga in conjunction with Atari would be available to the new
Atari Corp. Just a few days before Tramel acquired Atari, however, Amiga
returned Atari's payments and declared that the chips did not perform as
contracted.
Commodore has now acquired Amiga and is expected to show the new 68000-
based computer at next month's Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas. Tramel
has filed suit against Amiga, arguing that Atari is entitled to the technology.
This suit has not been settled.
One of the high points of the new computers is that they will use custom
gate-array chips to produce high-quality color graphic displays on home
television set screens, making an expensive hi-res monitor unecessary. This
should allow the new machines to be in the $400 to $1000 range.
If Tramel succeeds in showing the new 16-bit machine at the CES show in
January it's believed that it could be available by late spring.
--
Kevin Thompson {ucbvax,ihnp4!nsc}!voder!kevin
"It's sort of a threat, you see. I've never been very good at them
myself but I'm told they can be very effective."keithd@cadovax.UUCP (Keith Doyle) (12/12/84)
> The December 10 issue of Electronic Engineering Times has an article on >Atari's new computers which I've briefly summerised below. >THE NEW ATARI 16-BIT COMPUTER THE PLANNED 32-BIT ATARI COMPUTER >* 16-bit 8088 microprocessor * 32-bit 68000 family (68008?) I SWEAR! As much as I like the present Ataris, if they come out with 8088 junk as a new product, I'm moving to the Commodore Amiga! I'll take the 68000, the 32000, the z8000, even the z80 over the 8088! barf! gag! Keith Doyle {ucbvax,ihnp4,decvax}!trwrb!cadovax!keithd "You'll PAY to know what you REALLY think!"
granvold@tymix.UUCP (Tom Granvold) (12/13/84)
-
Just to add a bit more confusion to the discussion of Atari's new machines.
I have heard a rumour, from a former Atari employee, that the new machine will
be using National's 32032. It is not as well known as Intel's or Motorola's
chips, but it has some very nice features. I guess we'll just have to wait and
see what the new machine will look like.
Tom Granvold
decvax!ucbvax!oliveb!tymix!granvold